Hispanic Resource Center Moves to Mamaroneck Avenue

From the Hispanic Resource Center, posted on March 18, 2010

The Hispanic Resource Center of Larchmont and Mamaroneck (HRC) will be moving to a new location on March 30, 2010. The new space at 623 Mamaroneck Avenue will allow the HRC to house all its services under one roof.

Currently, the HRC operates out of two separate Mamaroneck locations. Educational programs and a Workers Center are located at Strait Gate Church off Mamaroneck Avenue while case management services and administrative offices are at St. Thomas Church on Boston Post Road, a significant distance from the people it serves, many of whom do not have cars.

Zoe Colon, HRC’s executive director said, “It has become increasingly clear that geographic location is tremendously important in reaching out to our target population. We believe it is critical for us to be closer to the ‘Washingtonville’ neighborhood of the village of Mamaroneck. HRC has found an ideal space on Mamaroneck Avenue that increases visibility significantly, centralizes staff and all program operations under one roof, and allows extended hours and flexible use of space.”

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According to Dr. John Gitlitz, HRC’s board president, “HRC’s new home, complemented by a number of new grants, will enable it to expand its current case management, educational and workforce development programs. The location also provides convenient access both for workers and potential employers, with a parking lot and accessibility from both Mamaroneck Avenue and Van Ranst Street.”

Now in its 11th year, HRC is one of the lead human services agencies in Mamaroneck assisting new immigrant and low-income families in the area. HRC offers case management services including referrals to legal and medical providers, assistance with job placement and training, English as a Second Language classes, and educational workshops to over 2,500 individuals and families annually. While it is called the “Hispanic Resource Center,” it does, in fact, provide services to immigrants from myriad backgrounds and low-income non-Hispanic members of the community seeking assistance with employment and other services offered by the agency.

Ms. Colon explained, “We believe our new location will enhance the inclusiveness we’ve sought to achieve within the community. Not only will it allow easier access to our clients but also to the professionals who provide services and our many volunteers as well as potential employers.”

Dr. Gitlitz added, “HRC expresses gratitude to the clergy and staff of the churches who provided space for us and who have given so generously of their time and resources. We could not have become the agency we are today without their support. We are particularly grateful to Bishop Wayne Powell of Strait Gate Church and Reverend Deborah Tammearu of St. Thomas Episcopal Church.” The agency hopes to be fully situated in its new location by May 2010.